OBITUARIES

As of Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023
Cities without a state are in Missouri

OBITUARY

Velma Brown

Nov. 19, 1928 – Nov. 9, 2023

Velma A. Brown, age 94, of Webb City, passed away Thusday, Nov. 9, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin. Born on Nov. 19, 1928, in rural Jasper County, she was a beloved wife, mother, and friend to many. Velma was widowed, having been married to the late Forrest Brown, with whom she shared many beautiful years until his passing on October 1, 1990.

Velma retired from the Webb City R-7 School District in 1993. She spent nearly five decades at Eugene Field School, where her culinary talents brought joy to many students and staff. She was a member of the Eastern Star, and she regularly attended the Webb City Senior Center.

Velma is survived by her children, Joan (Brent) Charlton, Lee (Jeanine) Brown, and Jay (Donna) Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Vena McDaniel, her husband, Forrest Brown, and her children, Irene and Mack Brown.

A graveside service was held Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, with Chaplain Kyle Beverlin officiating. Funeral services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Shirley Green

Oct. 22, 1937 – Nov. 12, 2023

Shirley Ann Green, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her residence in Webb City on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. Born on Oct. 22, 1937, in Dexter, she graduated from Dexter High School. Following graduation, she embarked on a successful career with Yellow Freight, where she served as an office manager until her retirement.

Shirley was a woman of many interests, with travel being one of her greatest passions. She loved exploring new places and cultures, always returning home with fascinating stories and a broader perspective on life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim Green; her son, Terry Green; and her grandson Michael Green. She is survived by two children, Rhonda Davis and her husband, Fred, Webb City, and Pam Green, St. Louis; four grandchildren, Joe LaBanca, Julie Jauregui and her husband Greg, Ryan Green and his wife Dana, and Tyler Green and his wife Autumn; her sister, Barbara Garner, Springfield; a daughter-in-law, Janet Green; and other family and friends.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

Joe Palmer

Date birth – Date death

Joseph Howard Palmer, age 77, of Harwood, Mo., the son of Charles William Edward and Fern Jewel (Potter) Palmer was born Jan. 3, 1946, in Clinton, and passed from this life on Saturday, Nov. 11, at his home.

Joe attended school in north Missouri and also Roscoe before the family settled in El Dorado Springs, where he graduated with the El Dorado Springs R-2 School District’s Class of 1964. Shortly after graduating, Joe was united in marriage to Juanita Kay Morgan, and to their union two children were born: daughter, Karen Jolene Palmer, and son, Joseph Shane Palmer. He was later married to Edith Carrole (Fox) Sanderson in 1990, and they enjoyed many happy years together until her passing three years ago.

Joe’s early employment years included positions with Sibley and Thatch Grocery in El Dorado Springs where he was produce manager, years of work at Crane Plumbing in Nevada and also employment with the Missouri Department of Conservation in Schell City. In addition, he also worked for a time as a fishing guide while living in Eufaula, Okla. In the early 1990s, he and Carrole lived and worked in Yellowstone National Park for several years. But for the past nearly 20 years they grew produce, along with fruit from their orchards in Fair Haven to sell weekly at the Webb City Farmers Market. They also sold handcrafted flower planters and homemade jams and jellies while making lasting friendships with the many vendors, and Joe served for a time on the market board of directors. Throughout his life, when his schedule would allow, Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he especially loved to bow-hunt.

Survivors, in addition to Jolene, who resides in Carl Junction, and Shane along with his wife Michelle, who live in East Prairie, include Cymanthia and Tim McCoy, of Independence, and Curtis and Lisa Sanderson, of Nevada. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, with special mention given to “adopted granddaughter” Marie Miller. Many cousins and extended family members, along with a long list of friends and neighbors, mourn his passing as well.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, James, Lonnie and Willie; three sisters, Mary, Alice and Martha; a grandson, Robert Brigham; and his beloved Carrole, who passed away July 3, 2020.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at Green Lawn Cemetery, Schell City. Arrangements are under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs.

OBITUARY

Bob Taylor

Nov. 7, 1930 – Nov. 8, 2023

Robert E. “Bob” Taylor was born on Nov. 7, 1930, in Ardmore, Okla. He passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Webb City Health and Rehabilitation.

After serving his country during World War II, Robert found his calling as a truck driver. He continued as a Joplin school bus driver until his retirement in 1989.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Barney Taylor and Viola Preston; his wife, Mary Taylor; and his daughter, Marilyn Reid. He is survived by his son, Robert “Bob” (Darlene) Taylor; grandchildren Eddie Jones, Leslie (Zach) Holden, Mellissa (Adam) Butcher, and Scott (Jennifer) Taylor; great-grandchildren Steffanie Roberts, Thai Butcher, Tiffani (Parker) Sockwell, Mason Jones, Hadley Butcher and Kaitlyn Taylor; and great-great-grandchildren Silas Jones and Miles Sockwell.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Carterville Cemetery, with Chaplain Kyle Beverlin officiating.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff at Webb City Health and Rehab, who became part of the family in Bob’s eyes. Funeral services are under direction of Simpson Funeral Home.

OBITUARY

David Waggoner

Sept. 22, 1945 – Nov. 6, 2023

David Howard Waggoner, 78, a lifelong resident of Webb City, passed away Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. He was born Sept. 22, 1945, to Bruce and Opal Waggoner.

David served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War as a radio operator stationed in the Philippines. He then was employed by the Federal Government as a Federal Bank Examiner. After a long career in banking, he retired from the FDIC in 2006.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy; his parents; and his brother, Wes.

David is survived by his two sons, David and Matt; his brother, Bruce; and his sisters, Virginia “Gingy” and Sara.

Arrangements are under the direction of Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, of Springfield.